A typical Bardex Restraint System includes Vertical and Horizontal (loads transverse to skid direction) Restraints and a locked Gripper Jack Assembly (load in-line with skid direction). Bardex has supplied systems to withstand simultaneous seismic loadings exceeding 1500 tonnes in all three axes.

Actuation cylinder on vertical restraint

Typical horizontal restraint to lock the drillfloor/substructure and skidbase during drilling operations

One of four leveling cylinders rated at 1500 tonnes each (with vertical restraints on right)

• The Vertical Restraint shown here (See A / B) is installed by bolting to the rig footing. The hydraulic cylinder engages a wedge block between the underside of the skid flange and the Vertical Restraint side palte. Once the wedge is engaged the rig is restrained from moving in the vertical direction.
  
  
• The Horizontal Restraint (see C) is locked by engaging the wedge block between the backing structure on the footing and the edge of the skid beam flange. Once the wedge is engaged, the rig is restrained from moving in the trasverse direction (perpendicular to the direction of rig skidding).
  
  
• In both the Vertical and Horizontal Restraint, the wedges, once engaged do not require hydrualic pressure to remain locked. The Restraints are released by actuating the hydraulic cylinders.
  
  
• After the rig is skidded to the appropiate location, the Gripper Jack Assembly is used to restrain horizontal motion parallel to the direction of skidding. The Gripper JAck Assembly can be equipped with either an accumulator or a mechanical device to maintain Gripper clamping force after the hydraulic pressure is released at the control station.
  
  
• In some cases, due to sea floor subsidence or structual deflections, a rig leveling system is required. Leveling Cylinders (see D) are typically mounted at each drill floor / substructure foor or each skid base foot to level the drilling rig. Lifting capacities in excess of 1500 tonnes per foot have been provided by Bardex. An alternative is the Levelock Gripper jack.
  
  
• The complete Bardex system includes all controls to operate Skidding, Leveling and Restraining Systems in a safe and efficient manner. A range of controls from simple manual controls to PLC based systems can be provided based on the customer's requirements.
  
  

If you would like to obtain information regarding the possible design and use of a Bardex Restraining and Leveling Systems for your project, please contact your Bardex representative, or E-mail us directly at bardex@bardex.com